Got Reel Mower Questions?
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{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a small area on my property that is more weed, moss, and clover with grass in different spots. Soil is poor and it is shady so I don’t have great expectations. I will probably put some more effort into this year but in my mind it is not a priority.
I have been using an inexpensive reel mower for the past several years and I find that it worked well initially but it is more knocking over rather than cutting. I have sharpened the blades a few times but I believe I now need a new mower.
Question is will a reel mower really work in this type of situation ?
@Charlie,
In general, reel mowers work better on grass than they do on weeds.
I don’t think a new reel mower is going to necessarily solve your problems. I think it might just be the limitations of that type of mower and your type of lawn.
You might have to accept having to mow over areas more than once to get everything, or you might just consider switching to some kind of rotary mower instead. There are several electric mowers that are still small and don’t require messing with gasoline. Not as simple as a manual reel mower, but still a pretty good choice.
I’ve used reel type mowers since I was 14. they weighed more than me however it proved, if you have your lawn de-thatched and then rolled about twice a year, you’ll find a healther lawn, smoother and easier to mow. and I just ordered a new Fiskers today.
I am looking for a exceptionally light weight push reel mower that can tackle St. Augestine Grass, is extremely well built, will last forever and is about $150 or less.
@Richard,
In my experience using a reel mower on my own St Augustine lawn, I have had the best luck with the Scotts Classic and the Mascot.
http://reelmowerreviews.com/mascot-18-inch-push-reel-mower/
http://reelmowerreviews.com/scotts-classic-push-reel-mower/
Of the two, I like the Mascot best, by far. That’s what I’m using now.
With a thick grass like St Augustine, a heavier mower is able to plow through the grass better than a lightweight mower. Lightweight mowers like the Brill are outstanding for many types of grasses, but not St Augustine.
I live in AZ and wonder about bremuda grass. Is there a reel mower that is efficent for this type of grass?
@Richard, For Bermuda, there are a few different choices.
The Mascot works on Bermuda, Zoysia and St Augustine.
http://reelmowerreviews.com/mascot-18-inch-push-reel-mower/
The Scotts Classic works on Bermuda, but can be hard to push.
http://reelmowerreviews.com/scotts-classic-push-reel-mower/
The American Lawnmower 7 bladed mower is designed for grasses like Bermuda.
http://reelmowerreviews.com/american-lawn-mower-bent-grass-light-push-reel-mower/
Do they make a reel mower with a cutting height higher than 3 inches? How much trouble is it to sharpen reel mower blades and how often do you sharpen?
Thanks for your question.
Most people don’t cut their grass that high, but I have some options for you.
The Scotts Classic has a maximum cut of 3 inches. (But not higher than that.)
The new Fiskars Momentum reel mower has a 4 inch maximum cut. You can find it here:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/fiskars-momentum-reel-mower.html
I live in northern Ohio and have a 0.3 acre lawn that is mainly Kentucky Bluegrass and some ryegrass. Grows very thick and tall in spring and then thins out some with hot/dry summers we usually have. Can you recommend a push reel mower that will handle thick Bluegrass as well as thinner summer grass growth?
Thanks!
@Jerry,
For the northern part of the country, I like the Brill Razorcut 38 mower the best. It does a really excellent job with bluegrass and rye grass.
I have a rental property about 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Last August I planted about 550 plugs of Buffalo grass which are slowly filling in a 25′ x 20′ area.
I would like to know which of the reel mowers you would recommend. Ideally, I want to keep this grass mowed between 1″ to 2″, but it can grow as high as 3″ to 6″ if left unmowed.
Buffalo grass is a warm season grass, has a very deep root system, is very drought tolerant when established, and only requires mowing about once a month.
Thanks.
@Beverly,
I am familiar with Buffalo grass, because I had some in my own lawn at my last house.
I would recommend three different mowers that would work well with this type of grass.
The new Fiskars reel mower cuts up to 4 inches tall.
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/fiskars-momentum-reel-mower.html
The Scotts Classic is what I used to use on my lawn that had a mix of Bermuda and Buffalograss.
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/scotclasreel1.html
And the Mascot mower is a six bladed mower that will do well through thick grass that hasn’t been mowed in a while.
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/mascot-reel-mower.html
Let me know what you choose, and how it works out for you!
Hi, I’m just curious to know why Craftsman reel mowers are not on your list. We’ve owned ours since 2001 and are now looking for a replacement. (We have St. Augustine grass.) I’d like to see how Craftsman compares to the mowers listed on your site. Thanks.
@Jeanette,
Thanks for your question.
Craftsman reel mowers are manufactured by American Lawnmower / Great States. So they are the same mowers, with a different sticker.
But you make a good point! I will figure out the Craftsman model numbers and add that information to those mowers, so it is clear that they are the same thing.
Craftsman is a Sears label that has been put on reel mowers made by several manufacturers. Great States/American Lawn Mower Company is the most recent manufacturer of Craftsman mowers. If your mower is an older model it may have been made by a different manufacturer,and one that no longer makes reel mowers. If it is an older mower, has six blades and weighs about 38 pounds, then the mower on today’s market that is most like yours is the Mascot Silent Cut 18 reel mower.
Are there any fundamental differences between the Sunlawn LMM40 and the Brill mowers? I live in Indiana, and like a previous poster from Kentucky, I have a mixture of Kentucky Bluegrass and rye grass. There are a few weeds thrown in for good measure, but I’m aware of a reel mower’s limitations with weeds. Thanks!
@Steve,
Sunlawn went bankrupt, and it is no longer possible to purchase a Sunlawn mower. The LMM40 was based on an older Brill Luxus 40 design from the 1990s from what I understand, so they were very similar.
In my personal opinion, based on using an American Lawn Mower Co. brand (we still have one, an 18″), the “Agrifab” model design called a silent cut model (or “no contact” reel mower), Brill and Sunlawn (which is not around anymore), you can’t get a better reel mower than the Argifab designed silent cut model that Power-draulics of Lancaster, PA sells. I think you can also go to “Reel Mowers Etc.” and see them on Margie King’s site. Agrifab itself no longer makes a reel mower. But there is an American based company that has a Chinese plant make the identical Agrifab18″ and 21″ reel mowers. They ship to the Lancaster, PA business and Power-draulics inspects and tweaks them so when they ship them out you have one that works great. I have acquired two used “Agrifab” style models and they all are hands down better built, cut as well or better than any other. They are heavy enough to hold the intended push line better than the lightweight Brills and Sunlawns (although the Sunlawn MM2 (7-blade) was a really great design and much heavier than the rest of the models that Sunlawn sold). Best of all, the Agrifab style (sometimes called “Silent Cut,” “Mascot” and Amish Mower) have 6 blades and are nearly silent when the reel blades spin if you adjust them correctly in relationship to the cutting bar. They also have a roller bar as opposed to two extra wheels on the backside. A leveling and stable roller bar is better in my use experience.
@Jeremy,
I use a Mascot on my own St Augustine lawn, and agree that the weight of the mower is helpful plowing through thicker grass types.
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/mascot-reel-mower.html
If you like heavier mowers, you’ll probably also like the new Fiskars Momentum reel mower:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/fiskars-momentum-reel-mower.html
Mascot is the Amish company that inspects and adjusts each Silent Cut reel mower.
Too bad they can’t make that mower in PA, then sell it to china, come on folks, by American..
I just moved to a new house with a relatively small lawn. I am interesting in buying a Fiskars mower, but it doesn’t come with a grass catcher. Isn’t is bad for the lawn to leave the grass clippings on it?
@David,
In general, it’s better to leave the clippings on your lawn.
Those clippings contain nitrogen from the grass blades, and over the course of a season can mean one less fertilization of the grass that you would have to otherwise pay for.
The only time clippings are bad is if you have an existing thatch problem. And then, you’d want to collect clippings until the thatch problem was solved. Clippings don’t CAUSE thatch though, which is a common misconception.
How to raise the height of an American Reel mower
Which mower do you have pictured in the 20 inch category the one that is orange and black? thanks
@R,
Those mowers in the top right are just generic rotating photos of various reel mowers that I got from a stock photo, for visual interest. Looking at that one, it isn’t a 20 inch mower. It’s smaller than that. It’s probably a Great States / American Lawnmower model.
What are the sturdiest model(s) of reel mowers on the market?
Our lawn is tough on light and non-durable models, as we trashed our Scotts Green Classic in less than a season. Any advice?
David, as far as I know it’s good to leave your mulched clippings on the lawn as it helps recycle the nutrients (and therefore your lawn will need less fertilizer).
We bought a new Husqvarna push reel last summer. It worked fantastically – I thought mowing the lawn with it was actually relaxing. But when we pulled it out to use it for the first time this spring it acted completely differently. It’s hard to push and stops unexpectedly, seemingly because it gets grass clogged in it, between the blades and the piece of metal that runs along the bottom. We applied WD-40 but that did not help at all. Do the blades need sharpened?
@katherine, I doubt the reel needs sharpening, it sounds like it needs to be adjusted. Spin the reel and see if it stops or makes a sound like it’s hitting the cutting bar. If so, follow the instructions and adjust the reel, this will likely solve the problem. Also, WD-40 is not the best lubricant, try using a silicone lubricant in the future.
Grass is very acidic, like sap in wood. I know that after each use, wipe the blades and bar with turpintine or soap and water, dry them and you will have no problems. its the same thing I’ve used on a saw mill. keeps the blades free from sap
I have a pretty weedy lawn. My current (second hand) reel mower does NOT get the dandelions. Can you suggest an affordable model that will surely get those weeds?!
@jane
Dandelions are the mortal enemy of reel mowers. If reel mowers are Superman, then Dandelions are Kryptonite. There’s not really a model that deals with them effectively, unfortunately.
When I had a yard with dandelions, my strategy was to pull them out as I walked over them and they didn’t get cut. Over time, the number of dandelions came down and it wasn’t as big of an issue.
I’m looking for information on push mower by American Standard, Pat. 1899. What was the mounth that these models came out? Were there any serial numbers? Where would that have been on the mower? Where produced? Thankyou , Steve Popek
@Steven M. Popek,
This guy is an expert on the older models and may have the info you seek.
http://users.crocker.com/~jricci/
What can you tell me about Scott’s 5M2 silent 16″ reel mower? Are they considered to be a good alternative to today’s lighter push mowers? I just purchased a small home with 4000 sq ft lawn. Is the 5M2 be a sensible option?
@Phil, As far as I know its just a smaller version of the Scotts Classic, which is a good reel mower.
Scotts mowers that have “Silent” in the name were made by another USA company, not the same company that makes the Scotts Classic. These mowers are no longer produced but you can get most parts for these as well as the old YardMan reel mowers.
How to you adjust the cutting bar on mascot 18 reel mower?
@Mike, I found these instructions in the Mascot manual.
“The cutter bar on your mower was professionally adjusted before it left our shop. Many years of experience tell us that light contact provides a superior cut and the mower can go longer without needing to be sharpened when set this way.
Some customers have reported that their mower was a little difficult to push the first time they used it but that it quickly became easier. Spraying the reel blades with WD40 or another lubricant will reduce the friction between the blades, making the mower easier to push and minimizing wear of the blades.
After considerable use or sharpening, the cutter bar may need adjustment. This requires a 3/8” wrench. Make certain that the bolt and the trunnion which are threaded into the cutter bar are tight, to eliminate any play or looseness, before
beginning adjustment of the cutter bar. To decrease the clearance between the cutter bar and the blades, turn the upper nut 1/4 turn and then tighten the lower nut 1/4 turn. Adjust each side equally until there is minimal contact.
It is important that the cutter bar be set so that the contact is even across the cutter bar, from one side of the mower to the other. You can test this by slowly turning the reel and listening to the sound of the reel blades as they contact the cutter bar, or you can use the paper test described on this page.”
I just moved into my home in December, and this is my first yard in 20 years. I started the season with a CEL powermow…can be used as electric or manual reel mower. I use it both ways. I live in Kansas with 1/3 acre mixed rye, fescue, blue type of yard, and have been trying to get the yard in shape after years of neglect. So here’s what I am considering. As a 60 year old out of shape male, I really want to stay green and get some exercise. I’m not weak, just old and will get winded. I don’t think it’s the weight of the mower, but the speed of walking that does me in at times. The CEL weighs around 27 lbs without the battery and 35 or so with it. I have considered the Fiskars, the Macscot 18 for upright grasses, and the Brill. What I can’t decide, is there one mower than doesn’t require fast walking. Are all of these just about as easy as the other. I think the Brill may cut too low for me, although the CEL also cuts at just under 2 inches, and 15 inch width is no improvement over my current 16 inch model. I’m leaning toward the Mascot….but the 40 lb weight makes me hesitate. Should I stick with lighter Brill…or go with the sturdy Mascot…or the trendy Fiskars. Decisions decisions.
I have bermuda grass and am considering a reel mower. Are there advantage/disadvantages to 18″ v 20″?
If and when should grass clippings be caught?
Do all mowers have grass catcher obtions….if not which do?
Thank you
I took delivery of my new fiskars mower on the 8th of this month..after checking the blades with paper strips, checking nuts & bolts adjusted the height and started to mow the front yard. One beautiful job, looks like a golf course. one problem here in Florida is ant hills, about 2-3 inches high. I have to level them first as sand will dull the blades but this is one of the best investments I’ve made it years. Being 76 yrs old it is easy to push and does everything it says in the advertizment. thanks fiskars.
Well, I ordered a new reel mower from Home Depot’s website. It’s an Ellison Evolution. I was a little squeemish at first due to the lack of info online, and the fact that Lowes.com shows the same exact mower on they’re website with Husqvarna’s name on it, and a different color of plastic. I finally got to the bottom of it though after a bunch of phone calls. Ellison is in Chicago and makes the mower, and Lowes wanted to sell it, but wanted it to match they’re store brand, so they put a different brand name on it. He said there isn’t a lot of info out there because it just came out last season. It looks good on paper, so after it arrives I will have to come to some opinions and write a little review here in the comments section or something. I have never had a reel mower, so unfortunately I won’t really have anything to compare it to, but I can give honest opinions about it.
I was wondering which push reel mower has the lowest minimum cutting height? Would any push reel mower under $400 be capable of cutting bent grass to an acceptable height for putting a golf ball?
@Jim H, If you want to mow a putting green you have to get a greens reel mower, there are not any regular reel mowers that go low enough
I want to replace the rubber treads on my old push lawnmower. The wheels are a intergral part of the mower, I need theh tublar treads only, not the whole wheel. Where can I get them
@john, I am not an expert on old mowers, but this site might help – This guy is an expert on the older models and may have the info you seek.
http://users.crocker.com/~jricci/ Be sure to mention the brand and model.
Hi
I want to find a vendor who suplies rubber tread for trikes, lawn mowers, push type. The tread would be bought by the foot and wrap around any wheel. It would have hollow center and a wire would be in the center that would secure the tubing to the wheel. different widths would be nice. I have seen this made in a wheel of a fixed diameter and the tread is heated in hot water and fited the wheel too. Where do I get it?